LOS ANGELES – On Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price announced that he will forego the 2020 season due to health concerns surrounding COVID-19. Price is class personified, and has always been a selfless player who still has quite a bit left in the tank that could’ve really helped the team on the mound this season.
Price’s decision was based on the safety and well being of his family during these trying and uncanny times in our country.
He drafted a post on his social media informing Dodger fans that he would not be playing this season after speaking with his family and the organization. Price stated he looks forward to returning next season for the boys in blue.
“I will miss my teammates and will be cheering for them throughout the season and on to a World Series victory. I’m sorry I won’t be playing for you this year, but look forward to representing you next year.“
Price came to the Dodgers in a trade with Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox, and was anticipated to be in the starting rotation that included Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Alex Wood and others. Price now joins Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross of the Washington Nationals, amongst the list of other players who have decided not to play in the 60-game season despite health plans that include COVID-19 testing and strict social-distancing methods.
The Dodgers fully support Price’s decision to sit out this season.
“We have been in constant contact with David and we understand how much this deliberation weighed on him and his family. We know he’ll be rooting hard for the club every day and look forward to having him back with us in 2021,” the Dodgers said in a statement.
“You have to respect his decision to sit out,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I hope he has peace of mind and knows that we support him.”
Price was scheduled to enter his fifth season with Los Angeles on his $217 million contract that he signed in 2015 as a member of the Red Sox.
